From the Guidelines
Medetomidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, belonging to the class of sedative-analgesics. This classification is based on its mechanism of action, which involves stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and some degree of pain relief 1. The primary use of medetomidine is in veterinary medicine for sedation, analgesia, and as a pre-anesthetic medication in animals such as dogs, cats, and others requiring short-term sedation or restraint. In clinical practice, the effects of medetomidine can be reversed using alpha-2 antagonists like atipamezole. Although medetomidine itself is not approved for human use, its related compound, dexmedetomidine (the active isomer of medetomidine), is utilized in human medicine for sedation in intensive care settings and as an adjunct for anesthesia 1. Key characteristics of medetomidine and its human counterpart, dexmedetomidine, include their ability to provide sedation with minimal respiratory depression, making them valuable in certain medical and veterinary procedures. The pharmacological profile of these drugs, including their onset of action, peak effects, and potential side effects like hypotension and bradycardia, are well-documented in the literature 1. Overall, the drug class of medetomidine as an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist underscores its utility in providing effective sedation and analgesia in veterinary medicine, with its counterpart dexmedetomidine serving similar purposes in human healthcare.
From the FDA Drug Label
Medetomidine is a potent non-narcotic alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist which produces sedation and analgesia. Medetomidine is a racemic mixture containing the active enantiomer dexmedetomidine, an alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist with sedative and analgesic properties
The drug class of medetomidine is an alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist.
From the Research
Medetomidine Drug Class
- Medetomidine is classified as a sedative analgesic drug 3
- It is a potent alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist, which stimulates receptors centrally to produce dose-dependent sedation and analgesia 3, 4, 5
- Medetomidine is used in veterinary medicine, particularly in small animal practice, for its sedative and analgesic properties 3, 6, 7
Key Characteristics
- Medetomidine has a high affinity for alpha2-adrenoreceptors, with an alpha2/alpha1 selectivity ratio of 1620 4, 5
- It induces a dose-dependent decrease in the release and turnover of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin in the CNS 4
- Medetomidine's effects can be rapidly reversed with the specific alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, atipamezole 3, 4, 7
Clinical Use
- Medetomidine is used for sedation, relaxation, and recumbency in small animals, particularly dogs and cats 3, 6, 7
- It is often used in combination with other anesthetic agents, such as ketamine, propofol, or opioids, to enhance sedation and analgesia 6, 7
- Recommended dose rates and precautions for use are available, including the need for careful patient selection and monitoring 3, 6, 7